Why you can’t deposit cash into someone else’s account at the bank
You can do lots of things at a bank branch, but depositing cash into another person’s account is probably not one of them.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s biggest bank, ANZ, said it stopped accepting over-the-counter deposits into someone else’s account last year.
“You can still deposit cash into your own account over the counter or any ANZ accounts you are a signatory on, including business accounts.
“A customer who wants to make payments to another person can deposit the cash into their own account and then transfer the money electronically.
“An ANZ cardholder can also deposit cash into an ANZ ATM, which has the deposit function – a smart ATM. All ANZ NZ branches have at least one smart ATM.”
He said, at a smart ATM, a customer could also put money into another ANZ account.
Westpac said it also did not allow deposits into other accounts.
“Similar to most other banks, only personal account owners or authorised related-party signatories can make over-the-counter cash deposits into their own accounts.
“We also accept over-the-counter cash deposits from non-personal entities, such as organisations or clubs, although the depositor must also supply their full name and telephone number.
“From June 30, 2025, people will need a Westpac card when depositing cash into a Westpac personal account – their own or someone else’s – at our ATMs. There is no change for non-personal entities.”
ASB said its own customers could make deposits into other customers’ accounts. People who were not ASB customers could too, if they met ID requirements.
Financial coach Shula Newland said this seemed weird to some people.
“Legal tender can’t be banked into someone’s account to pay for something,” she said. “In my own personal experience, it now means, if someone wants to pay me in cash, I now have the chore of going down to the bank to have to bank it myself.”
Newland said moving away from cash meant everything could be tracked much more easily.
New Zealand Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said banks were required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML), which could make accepting deposits difficult.
“The law aims to stop people trying to disguise the origin of criminal profits, such as drug trafficking or fraud,” he said. “Under the law, there are rules about verifying the source of the funds, and the identity of the person paying and the recipient.
“In cases where you would like to make a cash payment at your branch to an account in another bank, your bank may not be able to comply with these rules.
“Your bank may be able to suggest other ways you could make the payment.”
Banking expert Claire Matthews said that should not be a reason to stop accepting them.
“I would have thought it would just be a flag that meant an explanation is required and only for large amounts.”
The change appears to be because of the work involved for branch staff in accepting a deposit.
ANZ said it was not about AML so much as responding to changing customer behaviour.
“More people are choosing to do their banking online or through our GoMoney app, with less than 1% of banking transactions now made in person.”
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
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Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
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